Bernard Willie Thomas Sr.

          A son, a brother (his sister’s Number One Fan), an uncle, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a friend, a cousin, a veteran, a gentleman, a scholar, a counselor, a confidant, and an encourager!

          Bernard Willie Thomas, Sr. was born May 12, 1947 (the day after Mother’s Day!), and was the first child of LeeRoy and Rev. Mercy Dea Thomas. He was raised in Youngstown, Ohio spending much of his time playing with his cousins, learning about interior and exterior painting with his father, and singing with the family at the Covington Street Auditorium.  His solo song was”Nearer My God to Thee” by Sam Cook.

         He was a product of Youngstown City Schools, majoring in business and trigonometry while excelling in typing (90 words per minute), graduating from East High School in 1966 as a true die-hard Golden Bear.

         Bernard enlisted into the US Army May of 1966 and began his service Aug. 10, 1966.  He was in charge of the new recruits and making sure they reached their base assignment. Bernard served two tours in Vietnam. His first assignment was Clerk Typist where he was also in charge of filling orders of medical supplies, equipment and ammunition.  During his second tour when he returned from leave, he found he was reassigned to the 25th Infantry.  When Bernard reached his assignment, the base was under attack and Bernard was faced with hand-to-hand combat; without any training or a weapon to protect himself. Thank God, and through the prayers of Mom; “Lord cover and protect my Son”, Bernard survived that traumatic dilemma and returned home safely.  Bernard took an “early education release” receiving a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Honorable Discharge. He attended Youngstown State University majoring in accounting; his dream was to become a CPA. Suffering from flashbacks after Vietnam caused extreme difficulty for Bernard to concentrate on his studies; “drop-out”. During 1980, Bernard heard the words of Mom; “A winner never quits and a quitter never wins”; Bernard made another attempt at YSU; making the Deans List before those “flash-backs” and “stinking thinking” started creeping in again . . . 

          Bernard loved shooting pool, playing cards, talking smack, playing Chess, and truly loved his music; having one of the greatest album collections around and assisted in managing Hips to Hips Jams and Novelty Shop during the 1970’s.

          He met his wife, Darlaina Ivy “BLITZ” in Aug. of 1970; they were married Feb. 5, 1972.  To this union, a son Bernard W. Jr. “CHAMP” and a daughter Felicia Yvette “PRINCESS” were born.

         Bernard was employed at Packard Electric.  After retiring, he spent some time in Chicago, IL, starting The Match Painting Co.  Returning to Youngstown, Bernard reunited with New Hope Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Bankston. Later in life, he began to have medical and physical challenges, while suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). 

         He enjoyed attending Line Dance classes with Darlaina, his “BIG-LEG CUTIE”. 

         Most of his free time was spent occasionally writing and calling friends and family; encouraging them and “Just checking on you” . . .   “Just needed to hear your voice”.  He thoroughly enjoyed his children, grandchildren and his family.  When family reunions stopped, he restarted them on his own—he loved to see family together.

         Bernard leaves to mourn:  his wife of 52 years, Darlaina “SWEET CAKES” ; his children: Bernard W., Jr. (Aqua) of Winter Haven, FL and Felicia Y. Thomas (John) of Tampa, FL; grandchildren: ShaTille Bailey of Columbus, OH, Briana R., Bernard W. 3rd, Samari S., and Taylor Elizabeth Ivy of Winter Haven, FL; sisters, Dr. Lundeana M. Thomas (Winston) of Youngstown, OH and Glenda Williams of Cleveland, OH; sister in-law Sheri D. Myrick of Lakeland, FL; brothers in-law: Dr. Saul (Crystal) Ivy, Jr., and Scott D. (Sonya) Ivy of Riverview, FL and David L. (Deborah) Ivy of Lutz, FL; most supportive and affectionate brothers in love Jimmie L. (Judy) Johnson of North Hampton, NY and Kenneth (Jan) Madison of New Brighton, PA, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.

         Bernard was preceded in death by his parents, two nephews: LeeRoy M. and John Mark Thomas, and other close relatives.

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